Dhaka: Bangladesh on Monday urged India to clarify its position over reports that deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would virtually address an event from India on August 5, saying Dhaka remained committed to building a forward-looking relationship with New Delhi and did not want bilateral ties to be affected.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated that Bangladesh expected India to make its position clear on the reported programme, emphasizing that both countries shared an interest in maintaining and strengthening their relationship. "We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want it to be damaged and I firmly believe that India doesn't want it either. So, India has to make clear whether it supports it or not," she remarked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Shama disclosed that she recently held cordial and constructive talks with the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, with both sides expressing their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation. "We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that," she added.
The state minister clarified that the reported August 5 event was not being organized by the Indian government. She mentioned that Dhaka would decide, based on the circumstances, whether any diplomatic communication with New Delhi was necessary. "If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry," she mentioned.
When asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from India before the reported programme, Shama reiterated that it was not an initiative of the Indian government. She emphasized that Bangladesh had repeatedly conveyed to India, both verbally and in writing, that fugitives or convicted individuals should not be allowed to use Indian territory for political activities aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh.
Referring to recent remarks by Indian authorities, Shama noted that New Delhi had indicated it did not expect a fugitive facing charges to make political statements from Indian soil. She acknowledged that such activities could affect bilateral relations but added that Bangladesh did not want that to happen.
On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, she asserted that Dhaka would continue to pursue balanced and pragmatic relations with all partners based on national interests. "Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country. We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests," she affirmed.
She also mentioned that Bangladesh would continue expanding cooperation with India, China, and other countries in areas including trade, investment, and bilateral collaboration. Regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September, Shama said no decision had yet been made. "Time will say. I can't tell you now," she said, noting that the prime minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time.